PUB #3

 Mehmet Antapli

Professor Migano-Brady

Literature for the Soul

April 26, 2023

Pub #3

Postmodernism in " Interpreter of Maladies"

Lahiri's characterization of the "interpreter of diseases" is an example of how postmodernism emphasizes the fallibility of individual perspectives. For example, Mrs. Das misinterpreting the tour guide's intentions due to her own fears and prejudices is one example of how an individual's perspectives and prejudices can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. Lahiri writes, "He decided when the car started to move that an interpreter was sent to protect them" (Lahiri 13). It shows how Ms. Dasi's preoccupations and prejudices cause her to misinterpret Mr. Kapasi's intentions, causing her to view him as a patron rather than an interpreter.

 In addition, Lahiri's use of postmodern techniques in The Interpreter of Diseases emphasizes the relativity of truth and the importance of individual experience. In  "This Blessed House", this idea is illustrated by Sanjeev and Twinkle's different interpretations of the Christian objects they find in their new home. Sanjeev finds the Christian objects "tacky" while Twinkle sees them as "wonderful" (Lahiri 117). It shows how individual experience and interpretation shape our perception of reality and how there can be multiple truths depending on one's perspective. Ultimately, the character flaws of Lahiri's characters mirror similar flaws in our own modern culture. For example, Mr. Kapasi's sense of guilt and failure reflects a  cultural flaw in our modern society. In our competitive and individualistic culture, failure is often stigmatized, making people feel guilty and ashamed when they fall short of expectations. This cultural deficit is reflected in Mr. Kapasi's sense of his own failure as an interpreter and his guilt over his own infidelity.

Overall, Lahiri's use of postmodern techniques in The Interpreter of Diseases emphasizes the importance of individual perspectives and the relativity of truth. Exploring the complexities of human behavior and human relationships, Lahiri shows how individual interpretation and experience can lead to misunderstandings and misunderstandings, as well as how it can shape our perception of reality. Ultimately, the faults of Lahiri's characters mirror similar faults in our own modern culture, underscoring the relevance of his work to today's readers. In addition, Lahir's goal in writing The Interpreter of Diseases is to challenge the concept of cultural boundaries and binaries. Exploring the complexities of human behavior and relationships, he blurs the lines between "us" and "them" and shows that there is no clear boundary between cultures. For example, in Diseases of the Translator, Mr. Kapasi challenges his own sense of cultural identity when he meets Mme. Das, who is of Indian origin but was born and raised in America. Lahiri writes, "The difference between Indians and Westerners was as clear to Mr. Kapas as anyone. But the Das family was clearly of Indian origin" (Lahiri 9). This passage shows how cultural boundaries are not always clear and how individuals can have complex identities that defy classification.

            In conclusion, Lahiri's The Interpreter of Diseases is a postmodern work that questions traditional notions of truth, reality, and cultural identity. By exploring individual perspectives and experiences, he emphasizes the fallibility of interpersonal communication and the relativity of truth. In addition, the defects of his characters reflect the larger cultural defects in our society, making his work relevant and relatable to today's readers. Ultimately, Lahir's goal in writing Diseases of the Translator is to blur the lines between cultures and challenge binary thinking, making him an important voice in the canon of postmodern literature.